Trade Idea What coach would you like to see hired if Stotts is let go?

I’d be okay with Wright, Messina, or Udoka. Those would be my top 3. Especially if they could poach Mike Brown to be their head assistant, his defensive philosophy is outstanding.

 

Pau Gasol!

 

I simply don’t want to list *every* possibility because that’s how *little* I think of Stotts, that’s the point I was making with my suggestions.

He is AWFUL.

There are a ton of college coaches I’d give a chance over him.

Tons of current assistant coaches I’d take over him.

Tons of former coaches that I’d take over him such as Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, Mark Jackson.

i don’t hold those names in high regard but at this point I’d be happy if the Ghost of my grandma was announced as coach over him.

 

He spent many years as an assistant under Popovich, and I'm of the belief that couldve helped him defensively. In his clinics, he seems to have a deep understanding of that side of the ball as well. I don't think he's the prototypical "Euro coach".

And yeah, that surprises me.

 

How on earth being a Euro coach means D will not be his strong suit? Literally the only thing we play in Europe is D and pick and rolls.

Since we are at it my preference from Europe would be Jasikevicius.

 

Oh man...Sharas... I wondered what the hell he's doing these days.

Such a killer.
I remember one time when he beat some team in the Euroleague Semi-Finals he was yelling to his teammates at the tunnel: "WE HAVEN'T DONE SHIT YET! WE HAVEN'T DONE SHIT!"

 

Don't worry, Messina is better than Stotts in any way you can imagine.
Just watch some of his teachings on Youtube. A guy who doesn't understand defense can't talk for one hour on pick and roll defense alone.

The only 2 hurdles for international coaches:
1.Being forced to be "Nice" to the players (See David Blatt who was a shell of himself in Cleveland).
2.Language.

 

Teams can trade coaches

 

This made me love Jasikevicius:

 

I think the biggest hurdles are trying to coach and apply the Euro game to the NBA. Now Messina has been a assistant here for a while but he has yet to prove he can run an NBA team. And yes dealing with personalities would be included with that.
One thing is for certain right now or in the near future might be the very best time to get him.
He is the head coach for Olimpia Milano and is no longer figured to be Pops replacement. Need to throw a "BIG BAG O DOLLAS" at that man!

 

Messina needs to have a veteran coach on his staff if he transitions to an NBA HC, like getting a guy like Mike Brown, Tom Thibodeau, Lionel Hollins, etc.

 

I would totally agree with that.

 

It has to be a guy who really DONT want to be an NBA head coach though.
You don't want a guy like Lue or Kidd undermining him.

 

When is the time?

 

Mark Cuban has stuck with Rick Carlisle for 12 years. Even when they went in the shitter. Carlisle has always spoken very highly of Stotts.

 

Rick Carlisle wont a championship.

 

A agree, which is why I listed more old guard coaches. Advisory roles.

 

That was freaking amazing.

 

Hollinger: Blazers, Nuggets best in NBA at developing players despite not having G League teams

I don't have the Athletic subscription, but the headline mirrors what I've been thinking for several years. Portland hasn't traditionally been a free agent destination, and we haven't really won a lot trades, but it develops young talent pretty damned well.

It's not flashy, it doesn't get noticed in pivotal moments of big games, but it's a silent fact that quietly keeps Portland competitive.

Even when we continually fuck up with contracts like Leonard and Turner.

Even when we add wastes of space like Tolliver and Hezonja.

Even when guys like Aldridge, Batum, Matthews, Aminu and Connaughton move on to other teams without compensation.

Even when critical players like Nurk and Zach get injured.

...We still remain somewhat competitive.

Portland's coaching staff quietly makes young players a lot better. A little of that is clearly Dame's leadership, but you can't pin every single good thing about this franchise on him. It's a track record built up under Terry Stotts.

When you talk about firing Stotts, keep in mind you are talking about tearing down that track record and hoping whatever comes in next makes up for it.

Right now, that system and Damian Lillard are about all I have confidence in.

 

Kerr, Nurse, and Stevens hadnt proven they could run an NBA team before they got their jobs, they never had the chance. You're right about his NBA experience: what better NBA mentor than Popovich?

He'd give us a much different (and better) look.